Backus doctors chosen for clinical trial
PrintNORWICH – A group of Backus Hospital doctors has been selected for a high-tech clinical trial for the treatment of chemotherapy-related cancer symptoms, the only group chosen in the state and one of 15 practices nationwide.
Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology Associates (ECHO), located in the Medical Office Building at Backus Hospital, will conduct project AIM (Assessment, Information, Management) Higher, the purpose of which is to improve the treatment of symptoms associated with cancer and chemotherapy.
While research is producing new insights into the causes of and cures for cancer, major advances have also been made in the drugs and processes used to manage symptoms associated with the disease. Still, symptoms such as pain, fatigue and depression are generally under-treated, according to the National Institute of Health.
The AIM Higher quality improvement program, beginning Nov. 20, could be the wave of the future for cancer care, as every cancer patient who comes to the office will be given a wireless, pen-based computer (e/tablet) so they can document the severity of their symptoms while waiting to see the doctor or nurse. Also while they are waiting, patients can receive video, audio, and text education from the e/tablets on the symptoms they are experiencing.
The computer organizes the information into charts and graphs, which the doctor gets immediately, even before the patient steps foot into his examination room. The information allows the doctor to compare the patient’s current status to both their initial and most recent visits. The nationwide average doctor/patient visit is only 12-14 minutes, so the report from the e/tablet allows the doctor to hone in quickly on what is troubling the patient and to see how things have improved or deteriorated over time.
The overall goal of the 15-month program is to increase the assessment of cancer symptoms, improve the information available to cancer patients on symptoms and enhance symptom management.
The AIM Higher program was developed by Supportive Oncology Services, Inc., which is affiliated with the West Clinic, an oncology practice in Memphis, Tennessee.
“We are delighted to have a high quality, progressive oncology practice such as ECHO involved in this landmark initiative” says Davis Templeton, Chief Customer Officer of Supportive Oncology Services, Inc. “In the end our goal is to define processes and utilize technology, such as the e/tablets, to make the patients’ experience in the clinic as productive as possible and to improve the management of symptoms associated with chemotherapy.”
The program, including the cost of the e/tablet system and a full-time nurse in the practice, is entirely paid for through a two-year grant from Amgen, Inc. a biotechnology company. At the end of the grant, Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology will continue to work with Supportive Oncology Services and the e/tablet technology to improve patient care.
“We are excited to participate in project AIM Higher and to explore the use of the new e/tablet information system,” said Dr. Dinesh Kapur, Director of Cancer Services at Backus and ECHO oncologist, “We want to make it as easy as possible for patients to tell us their problems and for our practice to respond with education and treatment. The e/tablets will help us accomplish that.”